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Small Food Trucks for Sale: Big Opportunity in a Compact Package GuideMechanic.Com Small food trucks are an increasingly popular entry point into the mobile food industry.
They combine affordability, maneuverability, and efficiency—perfect for selling coffee, ice cream, tacos, or other niche menus.
If you’re searching for small food trucks for sale, here’s your definitive guide: expected prices, key features, purchase strategies, and insider tips to help you launch the right mobile business.
See Also: Turnkey Food Trucks for Sale in California
Small Food Trucks for Sale
Why Go Small?
- Lower upfront cost: Many small trucks and trailers start under $10,000.
- Easy to park and tow: Ideal for tight commercial areas, farmer’s markets, and festivals.
- Quick build-out: Compact spaces are faster and cheaper to equip.
- Testable concept: Great for validating your menu before scaling up.
What Defines a “Small” Food Truck?
While definitions vary, small food trucks typically include:
- Trailer-based units: 8–12 feet long, towable behind a truck or SUV.
- Minivans and converted cargo vans: Compact and street-legal in any city.
- Mini-box trucks or micro-rigs: Shorter versions of step vans with limited kitchen gear.
Small Food Trucks for Sale
Real Price Examples
Here’s a look at current small food truck listings and approximate pricing:
| Vehicle Type | Size / Year | Features Included | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8′ Mini Food Trailer | New | Sink, electric, stainless counters | $3,700 |
| 12′ Taco Trailer | New | Water sink, gas hookups, prep surface | $4,500–$6,500 |
| 13′ Custom Coffee Trailer | Brand New | Custom wrap, espresso station, power setup | $6,300–$8,000 |
| Converted Cargo Van | 2012 | Espresso, refrigeration, water plumbing | ~$25,000 |
| 16′ Utility Food Trailer | Used | Fridge, hood, sink, ready for build | ~$59,500 CAD |
| Old Pizza P32 Van Shell | 1997 | Empty interior shell (DIY build later) | ~$8,000 plus build |
Sources include lower-cost Chinese-manufactured trailers starting at roughly $2,800 US and new U.S. market trailers from $3,700+, plus Reddit-verified used units in the $25K–$60K CAD range
Categories and Costs
Entry Level (< $10K)
- Compact trailers or cart-style setups.
- Basic stainless surfaces and plumbing.
- Good for pop-ups or limited menus.
Mid-Tier ($10K–$30K)
- Van-based or larger trailers.
- Espresso machines, refrigerators, fire suppression.
- Better suited for year-round street vending.
Premium ($30K+)
- Fully equipped 16’+ trailers or renovated vans.
- Trade kitchen standards, built-in branding.
- Ideal for catering or full-time vending.
Real-World Advice from Reddit
- Reddit food truck operators offer valuable pointers:
“New builds for small trailers around $52K… just build your own.”
“Generator, hood systems alone cost $5K… tear down and rebuild if possible.”
- Another noted hidden costs:
“I spent $21K on a used truck and put $80K more into it… absolute nightmare.”
- Common themes:
DIY builds save money, but require chops; ready units often include hidden costs like permits, wraps, and inspections.
What to Look For Before Buying
- Vehicle condition
Run engines, check tires, brakes, and chassis for rust.
- Kitchen buildout
Ensure clean water, grey water tanks, sinks, hood vent, and if needed, a fire suppression system.
- Power systems
Generators or shore power must support grinding, refrigeration, and heating.
- Permits & code readiness
Confirm unit meets local health codes, has required certifications.
- Cost for upgrades
Plan for wraps, menus, signage, commissary access, and staffing.
Small Food Trucks for Sale
DIY vs. Turnkey
| Decision Factor | DIY Build | Turnkey Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower (often < $10K + time) | Higher (mid-$30K+) |
| Customization Control | Full control | Limited to what’s already installed |
| Time to Launch | Longer (months to build) | Short—sometimes immediate |
| Risk Level | High (mechanical/code errors) | Moderate (dependent on seller) |
Building your own lets you tailor the setup, but costs time, labor, and risk. Turnkey units are faster but cost more up front.
Budgeting Beyond the Vehicle
Permits & licenses: $200–$1,000+
Commissary or kitchen rental: Varies per city
Insurance: $1,000–$2,000 annually
Branding & wrap: $2,000–$5,000
Food inventory & staffing: $1,000+ per week
Expect to invest 10–30% of the vehicle cost before opening doors for business.
Is a Small Food Truck Right for You?
Yes, if you want:
Low-cost entry into food vending
Flexibility to move between events
A focused niche menu like coffee, tacos, desserts
But note that tight spaces may limit menu size or efficiency, and some areas restrict where trailers can park.
Final Takeaway
If you’re searching for small food trucks for sale, expect to pay:
- $3,000–$10,000 for compact trailers or cart-style units
- $10,000–$30,000 for van-based rigs or larger trailers
- $30,000+ for semi-turnkey setups with full kitchens and branding
Choosing between a DIY build or ready-made solution depends on your skills, time, and how fast you want to start selling. Manage your expectations, budget for extras, and test your menu concept first—then scale wisely.
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